The Jackets big offseason pickup for the Crunch this past summer-Pascal Pelletier- was traded to the St. Louis Blues today for defenseman Brendan Bell and prospect Tomas Kana. Things just weren't working out for Pelletier in Syracuse, and the Crunch defense needed an upgrade. Bell played over fifty games in the NHL last year with Ottawa, and will be another callup-worthy blueliner for Columbus. Kana is a prospect that I liked back in 2006, a guy I was following. I'm not sure why he hasn't been putting up major points in North America thus far, but I am excited to see what he can do in a fresh organization like Columbus. Without knowing the actual numbers, I'd say we have to be at or near the top of the league in terms of Czech players.

I like this move a lot for both the Crunch and the Jackets. Bell is a more offensive-minded defenseman, so in the case of injury, depending on who on the Columbus blueline gets hurt, Mathieu Roy won't be the default option. If they need points, call up Bell. Grit- call up Roy. Kana is intriguiing because he is a fairly recent second round pick who may just be a late-bloomer.

Good trade.